Method and Apparatus for Identifying Related Fix Information and Parts Number

ABSTRACT

A diagnostic tool and method are provided wherein a faulty part and its part number is determined based on a retrieved DTC for a specific vehicle. The part number may include the original manufacturer&#39;s number and a generic equivalent manufacturer&#39;s number (if available). The diagnostic tool can search a parts database of various parts suppliers for their pricing and location. The diagnostic tool can also provide suggested fixes to the user based on the retrieved DTC.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation in part and claims priority topending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/986,559, filed Jan. 7, 2011,entitled “CODE CONNECT INFORMATION ACCESS,” which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/319,602, filed Mar. 31, 2010,entitled “CODE CONNECT INFORMATION ACCESS,” the disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an automotive diagnostictool. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatusand method that obtain additional information such as top reported fixesand part numbers that are available for a fault code in a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern vehicles typically have one or more diagnostic systems, generallyhaving separate computer control modules, such as an electronic controlunit (ECU) to control various functions of the vehicle. Some examplesinclude a powertrain control module (PCM), an engine control module(ECM), a transmission control module (TCM), an anti-locking brake system(ABS), and supplemental restraint system module (SRS). The vehiclediagnostic systems, such as OBD II (On-Board Diagnostic) haveself-diagnostic capabilities to detect and alert the driver of problemsthat the vehicle may be encountering. When a problem is detected, adiagnostic trouble code (DTC) is set within the module's memory. DTCsare as general or as specific as the manufacturer desires for aparticular vehicle.

To retrieve and decipher DTCs, an auto repair technician needs adiagnostic tool, such as a scan tool. The diagnostic tool is connectedto the OBD II via a data link connector (DLC) to access and retrieve theDTCs. Diagnostic tools are equipped to communicate in variouscommunication protocols used in the vehicle such as Controller AreaNetwork (CAN), J1850 VPM and PWM, ISO 9141, Keyword 2000 and others.These communication protocols may be specific to each of the variousvehicle manufacturers. The diagnostic tool will help the technician todiagnose and repair the vehicle based on the information the toolretrieves from the vehicle.

The diagnostic tools have limited and dated diagnostic information intheir database stored on the diagnostic tool. Accordingly, it isdesirable to provide a method and apparatus that allow a diagnostic toolto have the most up to date diagnostic information available in order toprovide accurate diagnoses of the vehicle and to identify the partnumbers that may be at fault.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the presentinvention, wherein in one aspect an apparatus, such as a diagnostictool, is provided that in some embodiments allows the diagnostic tool toindicate via an indicator on a display when additional information isavailable based on the DTCs retrieved from the vehicle and also toidentify the parts numbers of faulty parts associated with the DTCs.

The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by one or moreembodiments of the present invention. According to one such embodiment,a diagnostic tool for diagnosing a vehicle is provided, which caninclude a processor to control functions of the diagnostic tool andretrieves diagnostic trouble code (DTC) from the vehicle, wherein theprocessor identifies a faulty part and the faulty part number based onthe retrieved DTC, a memory that stores a software to operate thediagnostic tool and a database of diagnostic data, the memorycommunicates with the processor, a connector interface that connects thediagnostic tool to a data link connector in the vehicle, the connectorinterface communicates with the processor, a signal translator thatallows the diagnostic tool to communicate with the vehicle in at leastone communication protocol, the signal translator communicates with theprocessor, and a wireless communication port that communicates with aremote device, wherein the processor communicates with the remote deviceto search for the part at a parts supplier.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, adiagnostic tool for diagnosing a vehicle is provided, which can includea means for processing to process functions of the diagnostic tool andretrieves diagnostic trouble code (DTC) from the vehicle, wherein themeans for processing identifies a faulty part and the faulty part numberbased on the retrieved DTC, a means for storing a software to operatethe diagnostic tool and a database of diagnostic data, the means forstoring communicates with the means for processing, a means forinterfacing the diagnostic tool to a data link connector in the vehicle,the means for interfacing communicates with the means for processing, ameans for communicating with the vehicle in at least one communicationprotocol, the means for communicating communicates with the means forprocessing, and a means for communicating wirelessly with a remotedevice, wherein the means for processing communicates with the remotedevice to search for the part at a parts supplier.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, amethod of identifying a part of a vehicle using a diagnostic tool isprovided, which can include retrieving a diagnostic data code (DTC) froma vehicle with the diagnostic tool, inputting the vehicle's informationinto the diagnostic tool with an input device of the diagnostic tool,searching a parts database with a processor of the diagnostic tool todetermine a faulty part based on the retrieved DTC, and displaying afaulty part number on a display of the diagnostic tool.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain embodiments of theinvention in order that the detailed description thereof herein may bebetter understood, and in order that the present contribution to the artmay be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional embodimentsof the invention that will be described below and which will form thesubject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments inaddition to those described and of being practiced and carried out invarious ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for thepurpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conceptionupon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a diagnostic tool according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the components of the diagnostic tool ofFIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3A-C illustrate an indicator indicating that additionalinformation is available according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4A-C illustrate the additional information available for the DTCof FIG. 3A according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates the diagnostic tool communicating with a remotedevice having the additional information according to another embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method to display the indicator according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method to display an indicator at a freeze framemenu according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method to display an indicator at a freeze framedata item according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method of identifying parts information accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawingfigures, in which like reference numerals refer to like partsthroughout. An embodiment in accordance with the present inventionprovides an apparatus, such as a diagnostic tool and method that allow adiagnostic tool to indicate on a display that additional information isavailable based on retrieved diagnostic information such DTCs in avehicle. In other embodiments, the diagnostic tool not only providesadditional diagnostic information but also identifies the potentiallydefective parts and their corresponding part numbers based on theretrieved DTCs, where the replacement parts are located, and pricing.

An embodiment of the present inventive apparatus is illustrated inFIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a diagnostictool 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The diagnostictool 100 can be any computing device, such as the CP9580 diagnostic toolfrom Service Solutions (a unit of the SPX Corporation) in Warren, Mich.The diagnostic tool 100 includes a housing 102 to house the variouscomponents of the diagnostic tool, such as a display 104, a userinterface 106, a power key 108, a memory card reader (optional), aconnector interface 112 and a connection 114.

The display 104 can be any type of display, for example, a liquidcrystal display (LCD), a video graphics array (VGA), a touch display(which can also be a user interface), etc. The display can turn OFFafter a certain period of time that the tool is not being used. Forexample, when no buttons are pressed or no data is being retrieved fromthe vehicle for ten minutes, five minutes, three minutes or 1 minute.However, any time period can be set for turning OFF the display so thatthe battery (internal) can be conserved.

In one embodiment, the display can be tested to ensure that each “pixel”of the display is working properly. In one embodiment, each “pixel” ofthe display can made to display a solid color, such as black, red, greyor other colors or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, thescreen can switch back and forth from the solid color screen and ascreen that has text there on, such as a start screen. These embodimentshelp the user to see if there are any pixels that are not workingproperly.

The user interface 106 allows the user to interact with the diagnostictool 100 in order to operate the diagnostic tool as desired. The userinterface 106 can include function keys, arrow keys or any other type ofkeys that can manipulate the diagnostic tool 100 in order to operatevarious menus that are presented on the display. In one embodiment, thediagnostic tool 100 can include a keypad test to determine if the keysare working properly. The key or scroll direction being pressed willinverse colors on the display. If the colors do not inverse, then thekey is not working properly. Other embodiments can include tests thatinclude sound, vibrations and the like to indicate if the keys areworking properly.

The keys can also include a “back” or “enter” or a “code connect” 116key. Once activated, the code connect 116 can display additionalinformation about a DTC including defective parts associated with theDTC or other diagnostic information as discussed herein. The inputdevice 106 can also be a mouse or any other suitable input device,including a keypad, or a scanner. The user interface 106 can alsoinclude numbers or be alphanumeric.

The power key 108 allows the user to turn the diagnostic tool 100 ON andOFF, as required. The diagnostic tool 100 can automatically turn OFFafter a user-selectable period of time of inactivity (e.g. no buttonspressed or data being collected from the vehicle). The power for thediagnostic tool 100 can be supplied from internal batteries of the toolor from the vehicle's battery when the tool is coupled to the DLC orfrom a connection to a computing device, such as through a USBconnection. If the power source is the vehicle or through a connection(such as a computing device), then the tool can power on automaticallyonce the tool is connected to the vehicle or computing device.

Memory card reader (optional) can be a single type card reader, such asa compact flash card, floppy disc, memory stick, secure digital memory,flash memory or other types of memory. The memory card reader can be areader that reads more than one of the aforementioned memory such as acombination memory card reader. Additionally, the memory card reader canalso read any other computer readable medium, such as CD, DVD, UMD, etc.In one embodiment, the memory card reader can be used to update thesoftware or databases that are in the diagnostic tool 100.

The connector interface 112 allows the diagnostic tool 100 to connect toan external device, such as an ECU of a vehicle, a computing device, anexternal communication device (such as a modem), a network, etc. througha wired or wireless connection (not shown). In addition, a connection114 can also be included on the diagnostic tool 100 in order to connectto USB, FIREWIRE, modem, RS232, RS485, and other connections tocommunicate with external devices, such as a hard drive, USB drive, CDplayer, DVD player, UMD player, PC or other computer readable mediumdevices.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the components of the diagnostic tool 100.In FIG. 2, the diagnostic tool 100 according to an embodiment of theinvention includes a processor 202, a field programmable gate array(FPGA) 214, a first system bus 224, the display 104, a complexprogrammable logic device (CPLD) 204, the user interface in the form ofa keypad 106, a memory subsystem 208, an internal non-volatile memory(NVM) 218, a card reader 220 (optional), a second system bus 222, aconnector interface 211, a selectable signal translator 210, a GPSantenna 232, a GPS receiver 234, an optional altimeter 236 and wirelesscommunication circuit 238. A vehicle communication interface 230 is incommunication with the diagnostic tool 100 through connector interface211 via an external cable (not shown).

Selectable signal translator 210 communicates with the vehiclecommunication interface 230 through the connector interface 211. Signaltranslator 210 conditions signals received from an ECU unit through thevehicle communication interface 230 to a conditioned signal compatiblewith diagnostic tool 100. Signal translator 210 can communicate with,for example, the following communication protocols: J1850 (VPM and PWM),ISO 9141-2 signal, communication collision detection (CCD) (e.g.,Chrysler collision detection), data communication links (DCL), serialcommunication interface (SCI), Controller Area Network (CAN), Keyword2000 (ISO 14230-4), OBD II or other communication protocols that areimplemented in a vehicle.

The circuitry to translate and send in a particular communicationprotocol can be selected by FPGA 214 (e.g., by tri-stating unusedtransceivers) or by providing a keying device that plugs into theconnector interface 211 that is provided by diagnostic tool 100 toconnect diagnostic tool 100 to the vehicle communication interface 230.Signal translator 210 is also coupled to FPGA 214 and the card reader220 via the first system bus 224. FPGA 214 transmits to and receivessignals (i.e., messages) from the ECU unit through signal translator210.

The FPGA 214 is coupled to the processor 202 through various address,data and control lines by the second system bus 222. FPGA 214 is alsocoupled to the card reader 220 through the first system bus 224. Theprocessor 202 is also coupled to the display 104 in order to output thedesired information to the user. The processor 202 communicates with theCPLD 204 through the second system bus 222. Additionally, the processor202 is programmed to receive input from the user through the userinterface 106 via the CPLD 204. The CPLD 204 provides logic for decodingvarious inputs from the user of the diagnostic tool 100 and alsoprovides glue-logic for various other interfacing tasks.

Memory subsystem 208 and internal non-volatile memory 218 are coupled tothe second system bus 222, which allows for communication with theprocessor 202 and FPGA 214. Memory subsystem 208 can include anapplication dependent amount of dynamic random access memory (DRAM), ahard drive, and/or read only memory (ROM). Software to run thediagnostic tool 100 can be stored in the memory subsystem 208 ornon-volatile memory 218, including any database. The database caninclude diagnostic information and other information related tovehicles.

In one embodiment, the database can include additional information suchas possible fixes for a particular DTC retrieved from a vehicle and theassociated parts number that could be defective based on the retrievedDTC. A parts database stored on the diagnostic tool or remotely can beused to identify the potentially defective parts and their numbers basedon the retrieved DTCs. Various parts in a vehicle that can cause DTCs tobe set in the ECUs are associated with each available DTCs. Onedefective part or a combination of parts can cause one or more DTC to beset in the ECU. Thus, the parts database will contain all the possiblecombinations of parts for a DTC or a set of DTCs.

The search of the parts database will proceed faster if the vehicleidentification information for the vehicle under test is entered intothe diagnostic tool so that the search is limited to the parts of theentered vehicle (or device). The vehicle identification information caninclude the VIN (vehicle identification number), make, model, year orother vehicle identifiable characteristics (hybrid, electric, etc.).Other search parameters can be used to narrow down the search such asmajor categories such as transmission, brake, interior, exterior, etc.Once the search identifies the part(s) associated with the retrievedDTCs, the information related to the part can be displayed on a displayscreen of the diagnostic tool (other computing device) for verificationby the technician. The information can include the part's number, barcode information, images of the parts, diagrams on how to remove andreplace the part, diagrams on where the part is located on the vehicle,manuals for the part, technical information of the parts, warrantyinformation, OEM (original equipment manufacturer) equivalent parts,etc.

In another embodiment, a bar code information (via a bar code reader)can be sent to a mobile device (such as a smart phone) of the technicianso that he can simply take the bar code information to a parts store andhave the clerk scan the bar code on the mobile device in order topurchase the correct parts. Further, once properly identified,additional information such as parts availability, pricing, location,etc. can be retrieved as discussed herein.

The database can contain information about additional databases includethe additional information about the parts. The additional databases canbe in a remote location instead of being local on the diagnostic tool.The remote database can be accessed via a wireless or wired connectionas discussed herein. The database can also be stored on an externalmemory, such as a compact flash card or other memories and accessedlocally by the diagnostic tool.

Internal non-volatile memory 218 can be an electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash ROM, or other similarmemory. Internal non-volatile memory 218 can provide, for example,storage for boot code, self-diagnostics, various drivers and space forFPGA images, if desired. If less than all of the modules are implementedin FPGA 214, memory 218 can contain downloadable images so that FPGA 214can be reconfigured for a different group of communication protocols.

The GPS antenna 232 and GPS receiver 234 may be mounted in or on thehousing 102 or any combination thereof. The GPS antenna 232electronically couples to the GPS receiver 234 and allows the GPSreceiver to communicate (detects and decodes signals) with varioussatellites that orbit the Earth. In one embodiment, the GPS antenna andGPS receiver are one device instead of two. The GPS receiver 234 and GPSantenna 232 electronically couple to the processor 202, which is coupledto memory 208, NVM 218 or a memory card in the card reader 220. Thememory can be used to store cartographic data, such as electronic maps.The diagnostic tool can include all the maps for the U.S. (or country ofuse), North America or can have the region or state where the diagnostictool is located. In alternative embodiments, the diagnostic tool canhave all the maps of the world or any portion of the world desired bythe user. This allows the diagnostic tool to be a GPS device so that adriver can drive from one location to another. The maps may be overlayed or incorporated with traffic, local events, and location of otherGPS devices (smart phones) and other information that can be useful tothe technician. By being able to locate other diagnostic tools with GPS,then the technicians may be able to use the diagnostic tools to locateeach other in order to conduct a meeting or have a social event.

The GPS receiver communicates with and “locks on” to a certain number ofsatellites in order to have a “fix” on its global location. Once thelocation is fixed, the GPS receiver, with the help of the processor, candetermine the exact location including longitude, latitude, altitude,velocity of movement and other navigational data of the diagnostic tool100.

Should the GPS receiver be unable to lock onto the minimum number ofsatellites to determine the altitude or unable to determine the altitudefor any reason, the altimeter 236 can be used to determine the altitudeof the diagnostic tool 100. The altimeter 236 is electronically coupledto the processor 202 and can provide the altitude or elevation of thediagnostic tool 100. The altimeter can be coupled to a barometricpressure sensor (not shown) in order to calibrate the elevationmeasurements determined by the altimeter. The sensor can be positionedinterior or exterior to the housing 102 of the diagnostic tool 100.Minor atmospheric pressure changes can affect the accuracy of thealtimeter, thus, diagnostic tool can correct for these changes by usingthe sensor in conjunction with the altimeter along with a correctionfactor known in the art.

Wireless communication circuit 238 communicates with the processor 202via the second bus system 222. The wireless communication circuit can beconfigured to communicate via RF (radio frequency), satellites, cellularphones (analog or digital), Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, Infrared, Zigby, LocalArea Networks (LAN), WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), other wirelesscommunication configurations and standards or a combination thereof. Thewireless communication circuit 238 allows the diagnostic tool 100 tocommunicate with other devices wirelessly such as with a remotecomputing device 500 (FIG. 5) having remote databases. In oneembodiment, the remote database includes the parts database and/or thetop fixes database 550 (FIG. 5). The wireless communication circuitincludes an antenna built therein and being housed within the housing orcan be externally located on the housing.

A diagnostic tool program is needed to operate the diagnostic tool toperform the various diagnostic tests. Different vehicle manufacturers(or even within the same manufacturer) require the diagnostic tool tooperate using different programs and communication protocols. Thevehicle information (make, model, year, etc.) may be inputted into thediagnostic tool through the user interface 106 in a manner such as, forexample, scanning a bar coded VIN number located on the vehicle to beserviced or inputting information of the vehicle, such as year, make andmodel. In another embodiment, the diagnostic tool can automatically scanfor the vehicle information, for example information from the ECUs ofthe vehicle, to determine the correct vehicle or communication protocolused by the vehicle.

Once the diagnostic tool program is operating and the diagnostic tool isconnected to the DLC, the DTCs and other diagnostic data can beretrieved from the vehicle. In one embodiment, the available vehiclediagnostic data can be automatically scan from the vehicle and displayedon the display. The display can include a list of data category (e.g.,I/M monitors, DTCs, state OBD check, etc.) that can be available forthat vehicle or a generic vehicle and a check mark or other indicatorscan be next to a category that has vehicle data retrieved from thevehicle. This allows the technician to hone in on the information thathe wants or be able to quickly determine what diagnostic data isavailable for the vehicle under test.

In another embodiment, FIGS. 3A-C illustrate an indicator 122 stating“code” indicating that additional information 128 (see FIGS. 4A-C) isavailable for a DTC 118. It should be noted that any type of indicatorcan be used, such as other words, symbols, LEDs, sound, vibrations, andthe like can be used. The display 104 can display the DTCs received fromthe ECUs of the vehicle. In this example, the DTC 118 is P0122 and thecorresponding text 120 indicates a fault “throttle/pedal position sensora circuit low input.” At this point, because the “code” indicator 122 isshown, the user can press the “code connect” button 116 on the userinterface to retrieve additional information 128 about the DTC.

The additional information 128 includes repair information for that codeand associated faulty parts information. The repair information may bespecific to the vehicle under test or be related to any vehicle basedthe DTC code or other diagnostic information. The repair information canbe based on previous repair experience for that DTC and provides variouslevels of reported fixes. The levels may include top reported fixes,frequently reported fix and other reported fixes. The repair informationmay be from Identifix™ located at 2714 Patton Road, St. Paul, Minn.55113. The additional information 128 can be viewed at other timesincluding during viewing freeze frame data or menu items and when theuser sends codes to a PC. The additional information, if available, willalso be printed out for the technician to use.

FIG. 3B illustrates the display 104 in the view freeze data 124 functionof the tool 100. In this view, the DTC 118 is displayed along with the“code” indicator 120. In this embodiment, the indicator 122 indicatesthat additional information 128 is available for the DTC in the viewfreeze data 124 function.

FIG. 3C illustrates the display 104 while viewing the actual freezeframe data 126. In this mode or function, the “code” indicator 120indicates a particular freeze frame data 126 has additional information128 that can be retrieved from the database. These are but examples ofthe use of the indicator 122 in various modes of the tool 100. The useof the indicator 122 in other modes is also contemplated by theinvention.

FIGS. 4A-C illustrate the additional information 128 available for theDTC of FIG. 3A according to an embodiment of the invention. Theadditional information 128 can be provided at various levels of reportedfixes, such as top reported fixes, frequently reported fixes and otherreported fixes. Top reported fixes can be the more likely to be thesolution while frequently reported fixes can be as likely as a solutionand also reported fixes are less likely than other solutions, but worthconsidering. Other levels of reported fixes are also contemplated by theinvention. In order to view the various levels, the user can use thearrows on the user interface 106 to navigate the additional information128 on the display 104. The additional information may be updated via awired or wireless connection so that the technician will have thebenefit for the most up to date information available to efficientlydiagnose the issues with the vehicle.

FIG. 5 illustrates the tool 100 communicating with the remote computingdevices 500, 560, 580 having the remote parts database and/or the topfixes database according to another embodiment of the invention. Aspreviously stated, the tool 100 includes the ability to access theremote computing devices via a wired or wireless connection. In thisembodiment, the tool 100 is wirelessly communicating with the remotecomputing device 500 that stores the parts database in the event theadditional information is not stored locally on the diagnostic tool. Inthis embodiment, the parts database can be used to search for thecorrect part and parts number based on the retrieved DTCs.

The remote computing devices 500, 560, 580 can be located in the garagethat the tool 100 is being used or located in another location such asanother building, another part of the city, another city, county, stateor country. The wireless connection can also be via a distributednetwork, such as the Internet.

In one embodiment, the remote computing devices 560, 580 may be partssuppliers computing devices that contain respective parts informationdatabases or may be another party's computing device but are contractedfor the parts suppliers. This includes cloud computing devices owned byanother party (e.g. Apple or Amazon). The parts information can includepricing, warranty, availability, diagrams, manuals, delivery optionsincluding mailing and local delivery, and other parts informationdiscussed herein. Thus, once the part(s) that needs replacement isidentified, the parts supplier's computing devices 560, 580 that containthe parts databases 570, 590 (respectively) can be accessed to determinethe price and availability of the part. The GPS location of thediagnostic tool can be used so that the nearest part supplier can belocated with the part available for purchase and at the best price. Thiswill save time and provide options so that the technician can choose totravel to the parts store to purchase the part, have the part deliveredlocally or shipped by interacting with a web site stored on the partssupplier's computing device, or simply place it on hold for pick up whendesired. Additionally, other parts stores that have the part availablecan also be displayed so that the technician has a choice to go to otherstores in the event he has to run other errands or is on the way home orreturning back to work.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 to display the indicator 122 accordingto an embodiment of the invention. The method 600 can be stored on amemory of tool 100 in the form of software and executed by theprocessor. At step 602, the method starts. At step 604, the DTC isretrieved from the vehicle and displayed. At step 606, a search of avehicle specific database to determine if the DTC has additionalinformation or “code connect” information. However, it is not necessarythat it is vehicle specific as it could be based on the DTC itself orother diagnostic data. At step 608, a determination is made if thedisplayed DTC has additional information available. If no 610, then atstep at 612, the “code” indicator is removed from the display, ifdisplayed, and the method proceed to step 618. In other embodiments, the“code” indicator is not displayed. If yes 614, then at step 616, the“code” indicator is shown on the display 104. At step 618, wait for akey press by the user. At step 620, a determination is made on whetherthe “code connect” key is pressed (only if additional information isavailable). If yes 621, then at step 622, show additional information128 on the display and then return to step 620. If no 623, then at step624, determine if the “back/enter” key was pressed. If yes 625, thenexit displaying the DTCs at step 626. If no 627, then at step 628determine if the “up/down” arrow key was pressed. If yes 630, then atstep 632 scroll to the next or previous DTC data and return to step 604to see if other DTC has additional information available. If no 634,then return to step 604.

FIG. 7 illustrates method 700 to display an indicator 122 at a freezeframe menu according to an embodiment of the invention. Method 700starts at step 702. At step 704, the display displays the freeze framemenu. At step 706, search a vehicle specific database to determine ifthe highlighted freeze frame menu item has additional information or“code connect” information available. At step 708, determine ifadditional information is available for the highlighted menu item. If no710, then remove “code” indicator 122 from the display 104, if displayedand proceed to step 718. In other embodiments, the “code” indicator isnot displayed. If yes 714, then at step 716 show “code” indicator 122 onthe display 104. At step 718, wait for the user to press a key. At step720, determine if the “code connect” key was pressed (only if additionalinformation is available) by the user. If yes 722, then at step 724,show additional information 128 on the display 104 and proceed to step726 and wait for a key press at step 726 and return to step 720. If no728, then at step 730 determine if the “back/enter” key was pressed. Ifyes 732, then exit freeze frame menu at step 734. If no 736, then atstep 738 determine if the “up/down” arrow key was pressed. If yes 740,then at step 742 scroll to next or previous freeze frame menu item andproceed to step 704. If no 744, then return to step 704.

FIG. 8 illustrates method 800 to display an indicator 122 at a freezeframe data item according to an embodiment of the invention. Method 800starts at step 802. At step 804, the display displays the freeze framedata items. At step 806, search a vehicle specific database to determineif the DTC associated with the freeze frame data items has additionalinformation or “code connect” information available. At step 808,determine if additional information is available for the DTC associatedwith freeze frame data items. If no 810, then remove “code” indicator122, if present from the display 104 and proceed to step 818. In otherembodiments, the “code” indicator is not displayed. If yes 814, then atstep 816 show “code” indicator 122 on the display 104. At step 818, waitfor the user to press a key. At step 820, determine if the “codeconnect” key was pressed (only if additional information is available)by the user. If yes 822, then at step 824, show additional information128 on the display 104 and proceed to step 826 and wait for a key pressat step 826 and return to step 820. If no 828, then at step 830determine if the “back/enter” key was pressed. If yes 832, then exitdisplaying freeze frame data items at step 834. If no 836, then at step838 determine if the “up/down” arrow key was pressed. If yes 840, thenat step 842 scroll freeze frame data item list and return to step 804.If no 844, then return to step 804.

Although examples of various embodiments of the invention includeindicating that additional information is available based on a retrievedDTC, the additional information could also be associated with anyretrieved diagnostic information from the vehicle. One example isdiagnostic information of a throttle or a sensor. Further, in anotherembodiment, the diagnostic tool can automatically determining ifadditional diagnostic information is available and automaticallydisplays the additional diagnostic information without furtherinteraction by the technician.

FIG. 9 illustrates the steps of identifying and obtaining informationfor a part that needs to be replaced according to an embodiment of theinvention. The method of identifying and obtaining information about thepart 900 starts at step 902. At step 902, identify the part or partsbased on the DTCs retrieved from the vehicle under test. A database ofparts that can trigger a DTC is provided in this invention. Each partassociated with a DTC is contained in the parts database. A DTC can alsohave many parts associated with it. At step 904, a search of the part isconducted using a parts database. The parts database can be located onthe diagnostic tool 100 or on a remote computing device 500, 560, 580,or a combination thereof. At step 906, the diagnostic tool and/or theremote computing device 500 can identify the part and provide the partinformation such as the part number, the number of the part that wouldbe needed to be replaced or other part identifying characteristics. Thepart number information can be Dorman Throttle Position Sensor 911-753for 1994-1997 Honda Civic Del Sol JCW872950. The part information caninclude the OEM's and any equivalent generic part numbers. Also at step906, the indirect location of the technician determined based on the GPScoordinate of the diagnostic tool 100 using the tool's GPS components.

At step 908, the diagnostic tool or the computing device 500 cancommunicate with the parts suppliers' computing devices 560, 580 tosearch for the part. The diagnostic tool 100 can provide informationsuch as the vehicle VIN or make, model and year and the faulty partcharacteristics. At step 910, the part is identified based on theinformation sent to the part suppliers' computing devices. At step 912,the part information can be displayed to the technician on a display ofthe diagnostic tool 100 or remote computing device 500. The part numberinformation displayed can be Dorman Throttle Position Sensor 911-753 for1994-1997 Honda Civic Del Sol JCW872950. The part information displayedcan also include pricing (costs, retail, discounted, etc.), availabilityincluding the location of the parts and if not available, alternativelocations of the part or when the part is expected to be available andif there are alternatives (generic parts) that are available for theoriginal equipment manufacture's part. At step 914, the technician cantake action depending on the information displayed to him includingordering and purchasing the part to be delivered (if locally available)or shipped, or placing the part on hold for pickup at a later time andother actions. Alternatively, the technician can take no action based onthe information provided or any other reason. The method ends at step916.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from thedetailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claimsto cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, becausenumerous modifications and variations will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to theexact construction and operation illustrated and described, andaccordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resortedto, falling within the scope of the invention.

1. A diagnostic tool for diagnosing a vehicle, comprising: a processorto control functions of the diagnostic tool and retrieves diagnostictrouble code (DTC) from the vehicle, wherein the processor identifies afaulty part and a faulty part number based on the retrieved DTC; amemory that stores a software to operate the diagnostic tool and adatabase of diagnostic data, the memory communicates with the processor;a connector interface that connects the diagnostic tool to a data linkconnector in the vehicle, the connector interface communicates with theprocessor; a signal translator that allows the diagnostic tool tocommunicate with the vehicle in at least one communication protocol, thesignal translator communicates with the processor; and a wirelesscommunication port that communicates with a remote device, wherein theprocessor communicates with the remote device to search for the part ata parts supplier.
 2. The tool of claim 1 further comprising: a displayto display information to a user; an indicator that indicates thatadditional diagnostic information is available for the retrieved DTC;and an input device that includes a button that retrieves the additionaldiagnostic information when the indicator is present.
 3. The tool ofclaim 2, wherein the additional diagnostic information include suggestedfixes that are based on previous successful diagnose of a symptom thatcaused the DTC in the vehicle.
 4. The tool of claim 1, wherein thesearch includes part related information including pricing, warranty,availability, diagrams, manuals, and delivery options.
 5. The tool ofclaim 1, wherein the remote device is controlled by the parts supplier.6. The tool of claim 2, wherein the indicator is an icon or an LED onthe display.
 7. The tool of claim 2, wherein the indicator can bedisplayed in one of the following functions: a freeze frame mode, a DTCdisplay mode, and freeze frame data mode.
 8. The tool of claim 1 furthercomprising: a global positioning system (GPS) that determines a locationof the diagnostic tool, wherein the GPS is used to determine a locationof the nearest part supplier to the diagnostic tool.
 9. The tool ofclaim 1, wherein the faulty part number includes an original equipmentmanufacturer's number and an equivalent generic part manufacturer'snumber if there is an equivalent generic part.
 10. The diagnostic toolof claim 3, wherein the suggested fixes include top fixes for thevehicle based on the DTC retrieved.
 11. A diagnostic tool for diagnosinga vehicle, comprising: means for processing to process functions of thediagnostic tool and retrieves diagnostic trouble code (DTC) from thevehicle, wherein the means for processing identifies a faulty part and afaulty part number based on the retrieved DTC; means for storing asoftware to operate the diagnostic tool and a database of diagnosticdata, the means for storing communicates with the means for processing;means for interfacing the diagnostic tool to a data link connector inthe vehicle, the means for interfacing communicates with the means forprocessing; means for communicating with the vehicle in at least onecommunication protocol, the means for communicating communicates withthe means for processing; and means for communicating wireless with aremote device, wherein the means for processing communicates with theremote device to search for the part at a parts supplier.
 12. The toolof claim 11 further comprising: a display to display information to auser; an indicator that indicates that additional diagnostic informationis available for the retrieved DTC; and an input device that includes abutton that retrieves the additional diagnostic information when theindicator is present.
 13. The tool of claim 12, wherein the additionaldiagnostic information include suggested fixes that are based onprevious successful diagnose of a symptom that caused the DTC in thevehicle.
 14. The tool of claim 11, wherein the search includes partrelated information including pricing, warranty, availability, diagrams,manuals, and delivery options.
 15. The tool of claim 11, wherein theremote device is controlled by the parts supplier.
 16. The tool of claim12, wherein the indicator is an icon or an LED on the display.
 17. Thetool of claim 12, wherein the indicator can be displayed in one of thefollowing functions: a freeze frame mode, a DTC display mode, and freezeframe data mode.
 18. The tool of claim 11 further comprising: a globalpositioning system (GPS) that determines a location of the diagnostictool, wherein the GPS is used to determine a location of the nearestpart supplier to the diagnostic tool.
 19. The tool of claim 11, whereinthe faulty part number includes an original equipment manufacturer'snumber and an equivalent generic part manufacturer's number if there isan equivalent generic part.
 20. A method of identifying a part of avehicle using a diagnostic tool, comprising the steps of: retrieving adiagnostic data code (DTC) from the vehicle with the diagnostic tool;inputting the vehicle's information into the diagnostic tool with aninput device of the diagnostic tool; searching a parts database with aprocessor of the diagnostic tool to determine a faulty part based on theretrieved DTC; and displaying a faulty part number on a display of thediagnostic tool.
 21. The method of claim 20 further comprising the stepsof: determining a part supplier nearest a location of the diagnostictool using a global positioning system of the diagnostic tool; anddisplaying the part supplier's location and a price for the faulty part.22. The method of claim 20 further comprising the steps of: determiningif additional diagnostic information is available based on the retrievedDTC; and indicating with an indicator on the display that additionalinformation is available.
 23. The method of claim 22 further comprisingthe step of: pressing a key on the input device to retrieve theadditional diagnostic information, if it is available.
 24. The method ofclaim 22, wherein the additional diagnostic information includesuggested fixes based on previous successful diagnose of a symptom thatcaused the DTC for that specific vehicle.
 25. The method of claim 21,wherein the searching the parts database include searching for anoriginal equipment manufacturer's number and an equivalent generic partmanufacturer's number if there is an equivalent generic part.